Ecuador

Divided into three different climatic regions—the Pacific coast, Andes Mountains and Amazonian rainforest—this small, South American country of 14 million is home to valuable natural resources. Petroleum production makes up about one third of the country's $32.57 billion annual gross domestic product, and Ecuador is the world's largest exporter of bananas. Still, after more than a decade of political and economic crises—the last three popularly elected presidents did not fulfill their terms—nearly 40 percent of Ecuador's ethnically diverse population lives below the poverty line, barely affording to meet its basic needs. Today, inequality is rampant, with the richest 20 percent of Ecuadorians consuming 55 times more than the poorest 20 percent. Although strides are being made by the current administration to carry out constitutional reform, government corruption remains chronic.

Catholic Relief Services has worked in Ecuador since 1955, focusing on the country's most vulnerable and marginalized people. In partnership with the Catholic Church and civil society partners, CRS works to improve the living conditions of thousands of Ecuadorians by supporting projects that boost incomes, promote community organization, and defend human rights. CRS Ecuador's dedicated staff of 14 works from a single office located in Quito, Ecuador's capital. The country manager is Alexandra Moncada.